SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 107

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Texas and join them in celebrating February 5, 2019, as CASA Day at the Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Court Appointed Special Advocates began as an initiative by a Seattle judge who asked community volunteers to serve on behalf of abused and neglected children in his courtroom; the Texas CASA network began in 1989 with 13 local programs, and the statewide organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year; and

WHEREAS, Over the last three decades, Texas CASA has grown to become one of the largest networks of volunteers in the nation, and its 72 local programs serve 217 of the state's 254 counties; in 2018, Texas CASA's 10,856 volunteers helped to provide a voice for 30,126 children and young people in state care; and

WHEREAS, CASA volunteers are proud to advocate for the best interests of victims of abuse and neglect and to support children and families in the child protection system, and they are indeed deserving of recognition for their dedicated and compassionate service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby commend the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Texas on 30 years of commitment and service and extend to all associated with the organization best wishes for a memorable CASA Day at the Capitol; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special occasion.

Nelson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 1, 2019.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate